Josh is abused by an alcoholic, whip-wielding, Bible-preaching father while he is young and grows up to abhor strong drink and with a somewhat misinterpreted knowledge of the scriptures. As Josh grows into manhood, he becomes a quiet, hard-working, soft-spoken man, but the outlaws and rustlers soon learn he is a man who will fight for his rights and the rights of others. Those who cross him and those who would take advantage of him or those he cares for soon learn that this big, quiet, scripture-quoting man carries a big stick.